The Twelve Heroes: Finding Our Identity (Editing)

Games and Training (Edited)

Riley’s P.O.V.

I only discovered what happened to Sophie about a day or two after it had happened. She had been staying in her room, moping about not being able to do archery anymore. Then, she and Josiah had started hanging out together because Sophie needed help. I admit it, I was jealous. I did have a crush on her. When she and Josiah were playing a game of checkers, I butt in and started playing with her.

“So, am I going to get my butt kicked or are you a beginner?” I joked.

“I’m going to let you win the first round, then I’ll slowly overpower you. In no time, I’ll be the master.” She let out an evil laugh.

“Should I be scared?” I asked, faking fear.

“Only if you don’t like losing.” She made her first move.

I moved a checker, she moved a checker, I moved a checker, she moved a checker. It went on and on like that until our checkers were close enough to jump each other. I jumped her lead checker but then she jumped mine. I was the first to get a king, but then she jumped my king and gained a king. The game lasted a while. Then, nearing the end, she moved her checker across the entire board and yelled a jubilant, “King me!”.

“You’re such a cheater!” I said.

“Or am I? It's not like you said 'no cheating', or anything of the sorts.” She questioned.

I moved my checker across the board and made a faulty jump. Then she flipped all the checkers off the board and said, “Hmph!”.

“I win.” She stated.

“How? You frickin’ flipped all the checkers off of the board!” I countered.

“Who says we were playing fairly?” She said with a smirk.

“Touche.” I replied.

“Rematch?” She asked, cocking her eyebrow.

“You’re on!” I set up the checkers again and we started.

The game was basically the same, except we changed all of the rules. I cheated a few times by just skipping over a bunch of spaces and jumping her. She would then take her pieces back and jump all of mine. The game was so unfair but in the end, she won. Don't ask me how, considering all he moves she mader were illegal.

“Told you I was going to be a master!” She pointed out.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. No need to rub it in.” I said.

“Do I need to say ‘I told you so’?” I asked.

“Sure, go ahead and gloat!” I said sarcastically.

“The one thing that I’m positive I would fairly win at would be archery. But since I can’t play that, I’m forced to cheat.” She gave me an evil smile but it quickly turned into a grimace.

I was trying to think of something to say but I couldn’t find any words that would comfort her. Then, Phil walked in so I was saved from saying something embarrassing and awkward.

“Ellie! Austin! Josiah! Brooke! Annabelle! Cameron! Kaylie! Josh! Come in the living room now!” Phil shouted.

Everyone quickly ran into the living room and took a seat on the various chairs and sofas.

“Everyone, minus Sophie for the time being, will be going through training. Everyone will need to learn how to wield a sword and brandish a shield. Then, I will give you all lessons to learn how to depend on different senses. Oh, and I will be teaching you how to use and control your special skills.” Phillip stated.

“When will this start?” Brooke asked.

“After lunch.” Phillip said.

“Who will teach all of us?” Josh asked.

“I will, of course! I might be able to get some on my other students here. They’re all at home with their parents or guardians right now. I gave them a break because I decided that they were in no danger and because I knew I was getting all of you.” Phillip explained.

Everyone looked at each other and Phil said a rushed good-bye and hurried into his room.

I overheard Brooke talking to Cameron about how she already knew about sword fighting because she read many books about it. Typical know-it-all. Ellie was talking to Annabelle about her power with plants. Psh, as if that could save us from an evil villain. Except, in cases like Sky High, that is. Kaylie was acting like a model and flipping her hair while talking with Josiah. Sophie just sat there pathetically. Austin looked me over and sat down next to Sophie.

“So, this is going to be the beginning of the end or the end of the beginning.” Austin stated.

Then the lights flickered on and off and I knew why. Brooke was staring at me intently, as if she knew it was my fault the lights were flickering on and off. She mouthed to me, “I know it’s you.” and continued on with her conversation.

Austin was right; this was going to be the beginning of the end or the end of the beginning. If that makes any sense at all. I'd try to explain it, but I'd only confuse myself further. But, let's put it into simper words. This would be where it all started or ended for each of us. This training program could make or brake us, believe it or not.